Eremothecium coryli

Eremothecium coryli is a pathogenic fungus that causes a specific seed-borne disease, commonly referred to as eremotheciosis. This pathogen significantly impacts crop quality by invading the internal tissues of seeds, leading to metabolic disturbances and loss of viability in affected plants.

This disease primarily affects legumes, with soybeans being the most economically significant host. The fungus can also inhabit other host species, maintaining its presence in the ecosystem and acting as a persistent threat to agricultural productivity in regions with favorable climate conditions.

The visual symptoms of Eremothecium coryli infection include dark, necrotic lesions on the seed coat, shriveling of seeds, and internal discoloration. In some cases, the seeds become completely blackened and lose their structural integrity, which makes the harvested crop commercially unviable for processing industries.

The dissemination of this pathogen is closely linked to insect vectors, particularly hemipteran bugs such as stink bugs. These insects feed on the pods, introducing the fungal spores directly into the developing seed during the piercing process. High humidity and warm temperatures further facilitate the rapid colonization of the tissue by the fungus.

The economic impact of this disease is severe, as it reduces both the yield quantity and the quality of protein and oil content in beans. Effective management requires an integrated approach to mitigate the risks associated with this pathogen:

• Integrated pest management (IPM) to control insect vectors like stink bugs.
• Use of certified, disease-free seed stocks to prevent primary inoculum spread.
• Optimizing harvest timing to minimize the period during which seeds are exposed to insect feeding.
• Field sanitation to reduce overwintering sites for both the fungus and its vectors.